I think Springfield makes a decent weapon. I know some that love them. For that price range I would go colt. 1. Because it's the original 2. Made in USA 3. Springfield triggers in my experience are heavy from the factory.

With that said I like the sights on the range officer and it's a trigger job away(70 series is the best) from being a great shooter.

The RO is a great gun for the money. All SA guns are now made in the US. The gun was designed to be like the TRP without some of the bells and whistles. The only reason I don't own one is I don't like target sights. If you can stand the rear sight it is a real good buy for the money.

The trigger did feel a bit heavy I just blamed it on needing a bit of new owner TLC & I actually fell in love with the sights... I guess I'm wondering if that's really as good of a beginners level competition gun gun as I've been told